JoJo Diaz was looking for a big fight in his in-ring return, with Ryan Garcia being his target. While he's not facing Garcia, it's still a big name and on paper should deliver inside the ring.
Diaz (32-2-1, 15 KOs) will face undefeated rising star William Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round lightweight main event on Saturday, Nov. 5. The fight and remainder of the card will be broadcast live worldwide exclusively on DAZN.
“This fight proves that Golden Boy Promotions isn’t scared to put its fighters in tough matches to give fight fans the boxing entertainment they’re looking for,” Oscar De La Hoya said. “JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda are both hungry fighters ready to put their reputation on the line to prove they are worthy contenders in the lightweight division. Both are aggressive southpaws fighters who come forward and are unafraid to give fans a show.”
“The lightweight division continues to be one of the most compelling in boxing today, and this exciting matchup between JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda is going to be an exciting showdown between two serious contenders,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN. “We look forward to broadcasting this event worldwide on DAZN as part of an ever-growing lineup of fight nights this fall.”
The former IBF junior lightweight champion returns after losing a decision to current undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney in December. Now, Diaz is locked on continuing his campaign to take over the lightweight division.
“I am very excited to be back in the ring and do what I love,” Diaz said in a statement. “I’m going to take on the toughest challenge that will bring out the best in me. I’m going to show the shrimp what it's like to swim with the sharks.”
Zepeda will be looking to climb the ranks with a victory over Diaz, giving him a spot to become a top contender for a world title. With an impressive knockout ratio of over 90 percent, Zepeda will be looking to impress fans with his aggressive style.
“I am ready to dance with JoJo and give him trouble,” Zepeda said.